A comparison of the effects of different shelterwood harvest methods on the survival and growth of acorn-origin oak seedlings

2011 ◽  
Vol 41 (12) ◽  
pp. 2359-2374 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick H. Brose
Keyword(s):  
Seedling Growth ◽  
Forest Floor ◽  
Seedling Survival ◽  
Quercus Alba ◽  
White Oak ◽  
Quercus Velutina ◽  
Germination Success ◽  
Survival And Growth ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Oak Seedlings

Timely development of newly germinated oak (Quercus spp.) seedlings into competitive-sized regeneration is an essential part of the oak regeneration process. The amount of sunlight reaching the forest floor partly governs this development, and foresters often use the shelterwood system to expose oak seedlings to varying degrees of insolation. To further understand the seedling development–sunlight–shelterwood relationships, I conducted a multiyear study at five locations in Pennsylvania. Each location had four stands either uncut or recently treated with one of three shelterwood harvest methods (preparatory cut, first removal cut, or final removal cut) resulting in four different levels of sunlight reaching the forest floor. In each stand, four 32 m2 plots were prepared, and each was planted with 400 acorns of black (Quercus velutina Lam.), chestnut (Quercus montana Willd.), northern red (Quercus rubra L.), or white oak (Quercus alba L.) and protected from wildlife. Germination success was universally high and for the next 8 years, I monitored seedling survival and measured seedling growth. The final and first removal cut treatments had higher seedling survival than the preparatory cut and uncut treatments. Oak seedling growth was positively related to sunlight availability; seedlings in the final removal cut grew the most, followed in descending order by those in the first removal cut, preparatory cut, and uncut treatments. These findings provide insight into the subtleties of regenerating oak forests with the shelterwood system.

Container Volume Affects Survival and Growth of White Spruce, Black Spruce, and Jack Pine Seedlings: A Literature Review

1988 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 185-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Craig Sutherland ◽  
Robert J. Day
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Seedling Growth ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Seedling Survival ◽  
White Spruce ◽  
Jack Pine ◽  
Greenhouse Production ◽  
Production Phase ◽  
Pine Seedlings ◽  
Survival And Growth

Abstract This paper is the first general review of the affects of container volume on the survival and growth of containerized white spruce, black spruce, and jack pine seedlings. The review shows that the literature on this topic is fragmentary and inconsistent. Seedling growth in the greenhouse production phase has been more completely quantified than subsequent establishment and growth after out-planting in the field. In the greenhouse production phase, seedling growth increased from 72 to 360% when the container volume was tripled in size. After outplanting in the field, seedling growth trends were more variable. Seedling height growth increased from 34 to 84% when container volume was tripled in size. Seedling survival was more difficult to assess because of limited data. Only white spruce showed a 10% increase in survival with an increase in container volume. The indications from this literature review suggest that nursery managers and practicing foresters should become more aware of the limitations imposed on seedling survival and growth due to container volume. To maintain optional survival and growth for white spruce, black spruce and jack pine, the container volume should range from 90 to 120 cm3. North. J. Appl. For. 5:185-189, Sept. 1988.

Selective feeding of pine voles on roots of tree seedlings

2009 ◽  
Vol 87 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. A. Schreiber ◽  
R. K. Swihart
Keyword(s):  
Field Studies ◽  
Tree Seedlings ◽  
Quercus Alba ◽  
White Oak ◽  
Yellow Poplar ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Field Evidence ◽  
Microtus Pinetorum ◽  
Belowground Herbivory ◽  
Oak Seedlings

Previous studies have implicated numerous physical and biotic factors as contributing to the failure of oak to regenerate successfully throughout substantial portions of eastern North America. Recent field evidence in southern Indiana implicated belowground herbivory by pine voles ( Microtus pinetorum (LeConte, 1830)) as a potentially important but overlooked mortality agent for oak seedlings. We used cafeteria-style feeding trials to determine whether selection of hardwood seedlings by captive pine voles differed according to species or age. White oak ( Quercus alba L.) was selected more frequently and experienced a greater proportion of root removal by pine voles than same-age seedlings of the other four species tested. Yellow poplar ( Liriodendron tulipifera L.) was never eaten. White oak seedlings 3 and 6 weeks of age suffered proportionately greater root removal than conspecific seedlings 12 and 15 weeks of age; pine voles removed roughly constant levels of root biomass irrespective of seedling age. Our results confirm that pine voles selectively feed on oak seedlings. In areas where pine voles are abundant, belowground herbivory could limit regeneration of oak by reducing seedling growth and survival. The importance of pine voles as factors influencing the success of oak regeneration warrants closer scrutiny in future field studies.

scholarly journals Effects of Scarification Disturbance on the Seedling and Midstory Layer in a Successional Mixed-Oak Forest

2003 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
John M. Lhotka ◽  
James J. Zaczek
Keyword(s):  
Acer Saccharum ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Quercus Alba ◽  
Seedling Density ◽  
White Oak ◽  
Treatment Results ◽  
Southern Illinois ◽  
Soil Scarification ◽  
Oak Seedlings

Abstract This study investigated whether soil scarification during the presence of abundant white oak (Quercus alba L.) acorns and other mast could be used to increase the density of oak reproduction and reduce competitive midstory species in a mid-successional mixed-oak upland forest. The study was conducted in a 7.3 ha forest with a mature oak overstory and a well-developed midstory of sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) and pawpaw (Asmina triloba Dunal.) in southern Illinois. The soil scarification was conducted in the autumn after acorn dissemination using a crawler tractor with a six-tooth brush rake. One growing season after treatment, significantly higher numbers of oak seedlings, primarily white oak, were present in the scarified plots (5,164 ha-1) compared to the control plots (1,273 ha-1). Seedling density of all other species classes did not differ between treatments. Scarification affected 61% of midstory trees and thus reduced their density and competitive position. Of these trees, 21% of stems were completely removed by the scarification treatment. Results suggest that, in the presence of abundant acorns, scarification may increase the number of new oak germinants in stands lacking advanced oak reproduction. Finally, because scarification increased the density of oak seedlings and reduced competing midstory trees, it can play a role in promoting the establishment of advanced oak reproduction. North. J. Appl. For. 20(2):85–91.

Do chestnut, northern red, and white oak germinant seedlings respond similarly to light treatments? II. Gas exchange and chlorophyll responses

2012 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 1025-1037 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne Rebbeck ◽  
Amy Scherzer ◽  
Kurt Gottschalk
Keyword(s):  
Gas Exchange ◽  
Chlorophyll Content ◽  
Native Forest ◽  
Quercus Alba ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
Growth Strategies ◽  
White Oak ◽  
Light Levels ◽  
Shelterwood Cut ◽  
Oak Seedlings

Understanding differences in physiological and growth strategies in low-light environments among upland oak species may help managers address the challenges of oaks’ poor regeneration. Gas exchange and chlorophyll content were measured for northern red oak ( Quercus rubra L.), chestnut oak ( Quercus prinus L.), and white oak ( Quercus alba L.) germinants grown at 25%, 18%, and 6% of full sun in one of two native forest soil mixes for two summers. Northern red and chestnut oak photosynthesis at saturating light (Amax, mass) increased by 23%–36% as light levels increased from 6% to 25% of full sun, while white oak Amax, mass declined by 20% and plateaued at 18% of full sun. White oak light compensation point is representative of deep shade (7.2 µmol·m–2·s–1), while northern red and chestnut oak averaged 17.8 µmol·m–2·s–1. Total chlorophyll content increased as light levels decreased for all species. Of the three species, the slow-growing white oak seedlings appeared to be more efficient in utilizing light than northern red or chestnut oak seedlings. This suggests no additional benefits to increasing light above that typically found in a light shelterwood cut; however, it is crucial to control faster-growing competing vegetation.

scholarly journals Injury on White Oak Seedlings from Herbicide Exposure Simulating Drift

HortScience ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 43 (7) ◽  
pp. 2076-2080 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayesh B. Samtani ◽  
John B. Masiunas ◽  
James E. Appleby
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Quercus Alba ◽  
White Oak ◽  
Leaf Unfolding ◽  
Housing Developments ◽  
Field Corn ◽  
Leaf Chlorosis ◽  
Chloroacetanilide Herbicides ◽  
Herbicide Drift ◽  
Oak Seedlings

Herbicide drift to landscape and woodland trees is a particular concern in midwestern United States where the topography is relatively flat, large-scale agriculture relies on herbicides, and housing developments and woodlands are intermingled with agricultural fields. Recently, leaf abnormalities (called leaf tatters) have been reported on white oak (Quercus alba L.). We evaluated the effects of field corn herbicides on white oak at the swollen bud, leaf unfolding, and expanded leaf stages. Container-grown white oak seedlings were treated with 1%, 10%, and 25% standard field use rates of 2,4-D isooctyl ester, glyphosate, 2,4-D isooctyl ester + glyphosate, dicamba, acetochlor + atrazine, and metolachlor. Loss of interveinal tissues (leaf tatters) occurred after treatment with the chloroacetanilide herbicides, acetochlor (+ atrazine) and metolachlor, only when oaks were in the leaf unfolding stage. No other herbicide caused tatter-like symptoms. Dicamba and 2,4-D ester applied at the leaf unfolding stage caused leaf cupping, downward rolling of leaf margins, elongation of leaf tips, leaf strapping with parallel veination, and initial leaf cupping followed by death of the growing point. Glyphosate applied at either the leaf unfolding or expanded leaf stage caused leaf chlorosis and necrosis, leaf tip browning, and curling of leaves. Herbicide applications near white oak should be timed before leaf unfolding or after the expanded leaf stages.

The influence of soil rutting severity on regeneration potential and seedling performance for black spruce-dominated peatlands

2009 ◽  
Vol 89 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dave M Morris ◽  
Rob W Mackereth ◽  
Dan R Duckert ◽  
Michael K Hoepting
Keyword(s):  
Seedling Growth ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Seedling Survival ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Competition Level ◽  
Ericaceous Shrub ◽  
Survival And Growth ◽  
A Site ◽  
Site Disturbance ◽  
Visual Assessments

Excessive rutting continues to be recorded in post-harvest compliance inspections in black spruce peatlands across Ontario. These qualitative, visual assessments, however, cannot provide the necessary data to determine a site disturbance threshold that is linked to poor regeneration and seedling growth. In an attempt to provide this quantitative link, harvested black spruce [Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.] peatland sites were surveyed and divided into severely rutted (non-compliant), moderately rutted, and non-rutted (compliant) blocks. In 1995, 2001, and 2006, each block was assessed for areal extent of rutting, number of plantable spots, moisture status, planting medium, competition level, stand density, species composition, and black spruce seedling survival and growth. Black spruce seedling survival in the severely-rutted block was significantly lower when compared with either the moderately rutted or the non-rutted blocks. A derived seedling survival model identified moisture class as having the largest influence on the probability of seedling survival. In terms of seedling growth, however, it was the non-rutted blocks that had the poorest performance. Based on a canonical discriminant analysis (CDA), competition factors, particularly ericaceous shrub cover, were the most important microsite factors influencing black spruce seedling growth. Overall, the moderately rutted block generated conditions that resulted in high conifer recruitment and good seedling survival and growth. Although the inference space of the study is small, the results suggest that black spruce peatland sites may benefit from a moderate level of site disturbance caused during harvest operations. Key words: Rutting severity, black spruce peatlands, survival, growth, microsite assessment

Survival and growth of Pinus echinata and Quercus seedlings in response to simulated summer and winter prescribed burns

2000 ◽  
Vol 30 (11) ◽  
pp. 1830-1836 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael D Cain ◽  
Michael G Shelton
Keyword(s):  
Growing Season ◽  
First Year ◽  
Red Oak ◽  
Quercus Alba ◽  
Pinus Echinata ◽  
Shortleaf Pine ◽  
White Oak ◽  
Prescribed Burns ◽  
Dormant Season ◽  
Survival And Growth

First-year seedlings of shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.), southern red oak (Quercus falcata Michx.), and white oak (Quercus alba L.) were subjected to simulated prescribed burns during August (growing season) or January (dormant season) on an Upper Coastal Plain site in southeastern Arkansas, U.S.A. Survival and growth of resprouting rootstocks were compared with control seedlings through one growing season after burning. Although 100% of the oaks and 99% of the pines were topkilled by the fires, survival of resprouting rootstocks exceeded 95% for all three species in the year following the winter burn. No pines resprouted following the summer burn, but rootstock survival of oaks averaged >65%. Compared with controls, winter burns reduced (P < 0.01) mean height and groundline diameter (GLD) of shortleaf pine sprouts through the next growing season. For southern red oak, season of burning did not negatively affect (P > 0.05) the growth of sprouts during the year after burning. Although mean heights and GLDs of white oak sprouts versus controls were reduced (P [Formula: see text] 0.04) when means were averaged across burns, white oak sprouts on winter-burn plots were comparable in size with the control seedlings.

scholarly journals Midstory Removal Facilitates Growth but Reduces Competitiveness of Oak Reproduction Prior to and after Shelterwood Establishment Cutting

2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 371-381 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachary J Hackworth ◽  
John M Lhotka ◽  
Jeffrey W Stringer
Keyword(s):  
Seedling Establishment ◽  
Acer Rubrum ◽  
Quercus Alba ◽  
Red Maple ◽  
White Oak ◽  
Quercus Velutina ◽  
Density Distributions ◽  
Forest Region ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Midstory Removal

Abstract This study examined the influence of midstory removal applied 9 years prior to a shelterwood establishment cut on survival, growth, and competitive status of black oak (Quercus velutina Lam.), white oak (Quercus alba L.), and an oak competitor, red maple (Acer rubrum L.), immediately before and at 6 years following shelterwood cutting on intermediate productivity sites in the Central Hardwood Forest Region. We also examined height and density distributions of the regenerating cohort to quantify seedling establishment and to elucidate relative oak competitiveness at each time period. Although oak seedlings were taller 9 years after midstory removal than in undisturbed controls, the midstory removal treatment reduced the frequency of free-to-grow oaks (relative to understory competitors) and increased the size of red maple and relative density of large competitors. Height growth of all three species following establishment cutting was increased by prior midstory removal and dependent on seedling competitive position immediately before shelterwood establishment. Additionally, we observed increased seedling densities 6 years following shelterwood establishment cutting and greater white oak seedling establishment when midstory removal preceded the shelterwood treatment.

scholarly journals Planting Oaks in Group Selection Openings on Upland Sites: Two Case Studies from Arkansas

2006 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 117-122
Author(s):  
Eric Heitzman ◽  
Adrian Grell
Keyword(s):  
Group Selection ◽  
Quercus Rubra ◽  
Red Oak ◽  
Quercus Alba ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
Height Increment ◽  
Ozark Mountains ◽  
White Oak ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Oak Seedlings

Abstract Two upland sites in Arkansas were studied to test the performance of 1-0 northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) and white oak (Quercus alba L.) seedlings planted in group selection openings. Both red and white oak seedlings were planted at one location in the Ozark Mountains,and only red oak seedlings were planted at a second site along Crowleys Ridge. Holes were dug with power augers and seedlings were planted by hand. At the time of planting, the mean height of red oak and white oak seedlings at the Ozark site were 3.4 and 1.9 ft, respectively. Red oak seedlingsat Crowleys Ridge averaged 3.0 ft tall when planted. After 4 years at the Ozark site, 77% of red oak and 86% of white oak were alive. After 3 years at Crowleys Ridge, red oak survival was 80%. Seedlings at both sites grew slowly. Mean 4-year height increment at the Ozarksite was 2.1 ft for red oak and 2.5 ft for white oak, and mean 3-year height increment for red oak at Crowleys Ridge was 1.6 ft. Three years after planting in the Ozark Mountains and 2 years after planting at Crowleys Ridge, naturally regenerating competition had suppressed over one-thirdof the red oak and about one-half of the white oak. This necessitated a release treatment around planted seedlings at both sites. Oaks that decreased in total height over a given growing season were common. Most seedlings that decreased in height had been pulled over or crushed by other vegetationor exhibited top dieback. South. J. Appl.For. 30(3):142–146.

Influence of weather at time of pollination on acorn production of Quercus alba and Quercus velutina

1999 ◽  
Vol 29 (12) ◽  
pp. 1817-1823 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert A Cecich ◽  
Neal H Sullivan
Keyword(s):  
Pistillate Flower ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Quercus Alba ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
White Oak ◽  
Weather Variables ◽  
Acorn Production ◽  
Quercus Velutina ◽  
Individual Trees ◽  
Black Oak

Pistillate flower development and acorn production were observed in small populations of white oak (Quercus alba L.) and black oak (Quercus velutina Lam.) in central Missouri from 1990 to 1997. There were significant year-year differences in the size of flower crops for both species and significant tree-tree differences in black oak. About 7% of the white oak flowers matured into acorns; most flowers aborted by early July, just after fertilization. About 12% of the black oak flowers matured into acorns, but some individual trees never or rarely produced a mature acorn. The number of fertilized flowers in white oak and black oak in early July was positively correlated with acorn production. Over all trees and years, the number of flowers and acorns were significantly correlated. Acorn production varied in relation to weather variables during the time of pollination. Simple regression models were good predictors of white oak acorn production but not of black oak acorn production. Maximum temperature and the number of days with hail had negative effects on acorn production. The number of days of rain during the pollination period was positively correlated with flower survival in black oak but not with white oak.

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